July 29, 1956-May 4, 2020
David E. Maurer was an Assistant Professor of Sociology who loved to test the boundaries of humor in his life as well as in his classroom. Beloved by many of his students, his career at the University of New Orleans spanned over 20 years. A prestigiously decorated and self-proclaimed know-it-all, David earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees from the University of New Orleans before achieving a law degree from Loyola University New Orleans and doctoral degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University.
David’s passion for teaching was evident as he taught courses in sociology at Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans. In addition to introductory classes, he also taught criminology, marriage and family, and popular culture. An avid music-lover, he found great joy in developing and teaching a “History of Rock and Roll” course. With an album and book for every occasion, David changed lives by sharing his knowledge with as many students, family members, friends, and strangers as he could possibly reach.
Even with a fulfilling career, David struggled deeply with substance abuse and addiction. After a long fight for sobriety, David lost his life on May 4, 2020. Despite having a brilliant mind and loving family, David’s journey showed that addiction is a devastating illness from which no one is immune. Through it all, David’s solace was his knowledge, one thing this illness could not take from him. For this reason, the David E. Maurer Memorial Scholarship fund was established to ensure that David could continue to provide students with an education beyond his own death. Preference will be given to a student who has either struggled personally with addiction or whose life has been directly impacted by a loved one’s illness.
The highlight of David’s day was perusing the obituaries, hoping to find one to entertain him enough to share with others. How fitting of a send off that his own obituary would be written in a manner that would have brought him laughter. Read his obituary here.
David’s advice to any student would be to read as much as you can, listen to music as loudly as possible, and attend classes in pajamas at least once. Ultimately, David’s life was his education. Through the David E. Maurer Memorial Scholarship, his legacy will live on.